. 


HYMNS 


FOK 


THE  USE  OF  CHILDREN 


H 

PHILADELPHIA: 

PRINTED  FOR  THE  TRACT  AND  BOOK  SOCIETY  OF 

THE    EVANGELICAL  LUTHERAN  CHURCH 

OF  ST.  JOHN. 

William  Fry,  Printer. 

1819. 


HYMNS 


FOR 


THE  USE  OF  CHILDREN. 


H 


HYMN  I. 

A  general  Hymn  of  praise  to  God. 
OW  glorious  is  our  heav'nly  King, 


Who  reigns  above  the  sky! 
How  shall  a  child  presume  to  sing 
His  awful  majesty? 

2  How  great  his  pow'r  is,  none  can  tell, 

Nor  think  how  large  his  grace; 
Not  men  below,  nor  saints  that  dwell 
On  high  before  his  face. 

3  Not  angels,  that  stand  round  the  Lord, 

Can  search  his  secret  will: 
But  they  perform  his  heav'nly  word, 
And  sing  his  praises  still. 

4  Then  let  me  join  this  holy  train, 

And  my  first  offerings  bring; 
The  eternal  God  will  not  disdain 
To  hear  an  infant  sing. 

5  My  heart  resolves,  my  tongue  obeys, 

And  angels  shall  rejoice 
To  hear  their  mighty  Maker's  praise 
E'en  from  a  feeble  voice. 


HYMN  II. 

The  works  of  God  in  Creation. 

1   \\T  HO  gave  the  sun  his  noon-day  light? 
V  V    Who  taught  the  moon  to  shine  by  night? 
Whose  hand  the  sheet  of  heav'n  unroll'd, 
All  set  with  stars  like  drops  of  gold? 

9  Who  gave  the  winds  their  course  to  know? 
The  ocean  tides  to  ebb  and  flow? 
And  day  and  night  preserve  their  bounds, 
And  changing  seasons  know  their  rounds? 

3  Who  could  conceive  the  vast  design? 
Who  could  the  grand  machine  combine? 
Who  stretch  his  hands  from  pole  to  pole, 
And  bid  them  on  their  centre  roll? 

i  Could  man,  with  all  his  skill,  compose 
The  humblest  blade  of  grass  that  grows? 
Or  at  his  will  ordain  to  be 
The  meanest  insect  that  we  see? 

5  'Twas  God  who  gave  creation  birth, 
Who  form'dthis  wond'rous  globe  of  earth, 
And  breath'd  throughout  the  mighty  whole, 
The  likeness  of  a  living  soul. 

6  Bow  then  to  God,  O  all  that  live! 
To  God  eternal  praises  give! 
Who  fashion'd  by  his  mighty  hand 
Sun,  moon,  and  stars,  and  sea  and  land. 


HYMN  ffl. 

The  all-seeing  God. 

ALMIGHTY  God,  thy  piercing  eye 
Strikes  through  the  shades  of  night; 
My  secret  thoughts  and  actions  lie 
All  open  to  thy  sight. 

There's  not  a  fault  that  men  commit, 

Nor  wicked  word  they  say, 
But  in  thy  dreadful  book  'tis  writ, 

Against  the  judgment-day. 

And  must  the  crimes  which  they  have  done 

Be  read  and  publish'd  there, 
Be  all  expos'd  before  the  sun, 

While  men  and  angels  hear? 

Oh  let  me  then  for  ever  fear 

T'  indulge  a  sinful  thought, 
Since  the  great  God  can  see  and  hear, 

And  writes  down  ev'ry  fault. 


HYMN  IV. 

Gratitude  to  God. 

GLORY  to  our  heav'nly  King! 
Bounteous  Parent!  thee  we  sing. 
Gratitude  the  strain  inspires, 
Humble  hopes,  sincere  desires. 

Thee  we  sing  with  loud  acclaim, 
Praising  thy  all-glorious  name. 

God  of  glory!  God  of  love! 
Lord  of  all  the  worlds  above! 
Thee  we  bless  for  daily  food, 
Thee  we  bless  for  ev'ry  good. 
A2 


More  than  all  we  praise  thee,  Lord, 
For  the  blessings  of  thy  word, 
For  the  tidings  Jesus  brought, 
For  the  precepts  Jesus  taught. 

Gracious  Father,  heav'nly  King! 
Feeble  lips  presume  to  sing; 
In   mt  voices  humbly  raise 
Grateful,  fervent  songs  of  praise. 


HYMN  V. 

1  T  71  7  HE  NE'ER  I  take  my  walks  abroad, 

W      How  many  poor  I  see! 
"What  shall  I  render  to  my  God, 
For  all  his  gifts  to  me? 

2  Not  more  than  others  I  deserve, 

Yet  God  hath  given  me  more; 
For  I  have  food,  while  numbers  starve 
Or  beg  from  door  to  door. 

3  How  many  children  in  the  street 

Half  naked  I  behold! 
While  I  am  cloih'd  from  head  to  feet 
And  cover'd  from  the  cold. 

4  While  some  poor  creatures  scarce  can  tell 

Where  they  may  lay  their  head; 
I  have  a  home  w  herein  to  dwell, 
And  rest  upon  my  bed. 

5  While  many  earlv  learn  to  swear,  - 

And  curse,  and  lie,  and  steal; 
Lord,  1  am  taught  thy  name  to  fear, 
And  do  thy  holy  will. 


Are  these  thy  favours  day  by  day? 

Am  I  so  highly  blest? 
Then  let  me  love  thee  and  obey, 

And  try  to  serve  thee  best. 


HYMN  VI. 

Praise  for  birth  and  education  in  a  Christian  land, 
RE  AT  God!  to  thee  my  voice  I  raise, 


G 


To  thee  my  youngest  hours  belong: 
Mv  infant  tongue  shall  lisp  tny  praise, 
And  growing  years  improve  the  song. 

2  'Tis  to  thy  grace  alone  I  owe, 

That  I  was  born  on  Christian  ground, 
Where  streams  ofheav'nly  mercy  flow, 
And  words  of  sweet  salvation  sound. 

3  How  do  I  pity  those  who  dwell 
Where  ignorance  and  darkness  reigns! 
They  know  not  heav'n,  they  fear  not  hell, 
Those  endless  joys,  those  dreadful  pains. 

4  What  would  the  ancient  Jewish  kings 
And  Jewish  prophets  once  have  giv'n; 
Could  they  have  heard  those  glorious  things, 
Which  Christ,  the  Lord,  reveal'd  from  heav'n? 

5  How  glad  the  heathens  would  have  been, 
Who  worshipp'd  idols,  wood,  and  stone, 
If  they  the  book  of  God  had  seen, 

Or  Jesus  and  his  gospel  known! 

6  Thy  glorious  promises,  O  Lord! 
Kindle  my  hopes,  and  warm  my  heart. 
O  teach  me  more  to  love  thy  word, 
And  never  from  thy  law  to  part. 


Thy  praise  shall  still  employ  my  breath, 
Since  thou  hast  mafVd  my  way  to  heav'n; 
Nor  will  I  run  the  road  to  death, 
And  waste  the  blessings  thou  hast  giv'n. 


HYMN  VII. 

The  nativity  of  Christ. 

1  WJ"  HILE  shepherds  watch'd  their  flocks  by 

VV  night, 

All  seated  on  the  ground, 
The  angel  of  the  Lord  came  down, 
And  glory  shone  around. 

2  u  Fear  not,"  said  he,  for  mighty  dread 

Had  seiz'd  their  troubled  mind; 
44  Glad  tidings  of  great  joy  I  bring 
"  To  you  and  all  mankind. 

3  "To  you  in  David's  town,  this  day, 

44  Is  born,  of  David's  line, 
"  The  Saviour,  who  is  Christ  the  Lord; 
41  And  this  shall  be  the  sign: 

4  "  The  heav'nly  babe  you  there  shall  find 

44  To  human  view  displayed, 
44  All  meanly  wrapp'd  in  swathing  bands, 
44  And  in  a  manger  laid." 

5  Thus  spake  the  Seraph,  and  forthwith 

Appear'd  a  shining  throng 
Of  Angels,  praising  God,  and  thus 
Address'd  their  joyful  song: 

6  44  All  glory  be  to  God  on  high, 

41  And  to  the  earth  be  peact: 
44  Good-will  henceforth,  from  heav'n  to  men, 
44  Begin,  and  never  cease." 


s 


HYMN  VIII. 

The  love  of  Jesus. 

EE  how  he  lov'd,  exclaim'd  the  Jews, 
When  Jesus  o'er  his  Lazarus  wept; 
My  grateful  heart  the  words  shall  use, 
While  on  his  life  my  eye  is  kept. 

2  See  how  he  lov'd,  who  travelled  on, 
Teaching  the  doctrine  from  the  skies; 
Who  bade  disease  and  pain  begone, 
And  call'd  the  sleeping  dead  to  rise. 

3  See  how  he  lov'd,  who,  firm  yet  mild, 
Patient  endur'd  the  scoffing  tongue; 
Who,  oft  provok'd,  yet  ne'er  revil'd, 
Nor  did  his  greatest  foe  a  wrong. 

4  See  how  he  lov'd,  who  never  shrank 
From  toil  or  danger,  pain  or  death; 
Who  all  the  cup  of  sorrow  drank, 
And  meekly  yielded  up  his  breath. 

5  See  how  he  lov'd,  who  died  for  man; 
Who  labour'd  thus  and  thus  endur'd, 
To  finish  the  all-gracious  plan, 
Which  life  and  heav'n  to  man  secur'd. 

6  And  shall  such  love  not  meet  return? 
Not  prompt  the  conduct,  move  the  breast? 
Shall  not  our  grateful  bosoms  burn, 

To  prove  our  love  by  ev'ry  test? 

7  Yes,  our  great  master  will  we  love, 
Who  ev'ry  gen'rous  feeling  knew; 
His  faithful  followers  ever  prove, 
And  keep  his  pattern  still  in  view. 


10 
HYMN  IX. 

Christmas  Hymn. 

EXULTING,  rejoicing,  hail  the  happy  morn- 
ing. 
The  morn  of  the  day  when  our  Christ  was  born! 
Angels  of  mercy,  who  his  birth  attended, 
O  bear  our  loud  Hosannahs  through  the  sky! 

Salvation  proclaiming  to  the  guilty  nations, 
He  comes  in  the  glory  and  power  of  God. 
Angels  of  mercy,  who  his  steps  attended, 
O  bear  our  loud  Hosannahs  through  the  sky! 

Devoted,  submissive,  on  the  cross  expiring, 
He  bows  to  the  will  of  his  Father,  God. 
Angels  of  pity,  who  his  death  attended, 
O  bear  our  loud  Hosannahs  through  the  sky! 


H 


HYMN  X. 

Death  and  Resurrection  of  Jesus. 
E  dies,  the  friend  of  sinners  dies; 


Lo!  Salem's  daughters  weep  around. 
A  solemn  darkness  veils  the  skies; 
A  sudden  trembling  shakes  the  ground. 

2  Here's  love  and  grief  beyond  degree; 
The  Lord  of  glory  dies  for  men; 
But  lo!  what  sudden  joys  we  see, — 
Jesus,  the  dead,  revives  again. 

3  Break  off  your  tears,  ye  saints,  and  say, 
How  high  your  great  deliv'rer  reigns; 
Tell  how  he  rose  to  endless  day 

And  led  the  monster,  death,  in  chains. 


11 

4  Say:  M  Live  for  ever,  glorious  king! 
"  Born  to  redeem,  and  strong  to  save!" 
Then  ask  the  monster:  *4  where's  thy  sting! 
"  And  where's  thy  vict'ry,  boasting  grave!'*- 


HYMN  XL 

«?Veu>-  Year's  Hymn. 

WHILE  with  ceaseless  course  the  sun 
Hasted  through  the  former  year, 
Many  souls  their  race  have  run, 
Never  more  to  meet  us  here. 
Fixt  in  an  eternal  state, 
They  have  done  with  all  below; 
We  a  little  longer  wait, 
But  how  little— none  can  know* 

As  the  winged  arrow  flies, 
Speedily  the  mark  to  find; 
As  the  lightning  from  the  skies 
Darts,  and  leaves  no  trace  behind; 
Swiftly  thus  our  fleeting  days 
Bear  us  down  life's  rapid  stream. 
Upwards,  Lord,  our  spirits  raise; 
All  below  is  but  a  dream. 

Thanks  for  mercies  past  receive; 
Pardon  of  our  sins  renew; 
Teach  us  henceforth  how  to  live, 
With  eternity  in  view. 
Bless  thy  word  to  old  and  young; 
Grant  us,  Lord,  thy  peace  and  love; 
And  when  life's  short  course  is  run, 
Take  us  to  thy  house  above. 


MYH( 


12 
HYMN  XII. 

A  morning  Hymn. 
Y  God,  thou  mak'st  the  sun  to  knovr 


[is  proper  hour  to  rise, 
And  to  give  light  to  all  below, 
Dost  send  him  round  the  skies. 

2  When  from  the  chambers  of  the  east 
His  morning  race  begins, 

He  never  tires  nor  stops  to  rest, 
But  round  the  world  he  shines. 

3  So,  like  the  sun,  would  I  fulfil 
The  bus'ness  of  the  day; 

B  gin  my  work  betimes,  and  still 
March  on  my  heav'nly  way. 

4  Give  me  O  Lord,  thy  early  grace, 
Nor  let  my  soul  complain, 

That  the  young  morning  of  my  days 
Has  all  been  spent  in  vain. 


HYMN  XIII. 

An  evening  Hymn. 

THE  evening  shades  again  draw  nigh, 
Which,  like  a  curtain,  veil  the  sky; 
The  labour  of  the  day  is  o'er, 
The  day  is  fled  that  comes  no  more! 

What  we  have  thought,  and  said,  and  done, 

Or  how  our  course  of  duty  run, — 

All  lies  before  his  holy  eyes, 

Who  all  our  secret  thoughts  espies. 


13 

Our  follies  and  our  sins  forgive, 
And  let  us  in  thy  favour  live. 
And  for  the  blessings  of  the  day, 
Accept  the  sacrifice  we  pay. 

Still  may  thy  providential  care 
Preserve  from  ev'ry  fatal  snare; 
And  from  the  perils  of  the  night 
Defend  us  by  thy  sov'reign  might. 

When  death,  like  sable  night,  shall  come, 
And  call  us  to  our  endless  home, 
May  we  be  found  in  peace  with  thee, 
And  wake  in  blest  eternity. 


HYMN  XIVc 

Hie  word  of  God,  the  best  guide  of  youth. 

1  HP*  HE  morn  of  life,  how  fair  and  gay! 

JL     How  cheering  and  how  new! 
What  hopes  illume  each  opening  day, 
And  brightens  ev'ry  view! 

2  Youth's  ardent  minds,  with  joy  elate, 

Elastic  and  sincere, 
Suspect  no  ills  that  may  await, 
Nor  yield  a  thought  to  fear. 

3  But  slippery  is  the  path  they  tread, 

In  pleasure's  dangerous  way; 
A  thousand  snares  around  them  spread, 
And  oft  their  feet  betray. 

4  How  shall  they,  then,  their  course  pursue, 

Through  life's  uncertain  road? 
What  friendly  hand  will  point  their  view, 
To  duty  and  to  God? 
B 


14 

In  God's  own  word  the  way  is  sure, 

And  clear  to  ev'ry  eye; 
It  leads  us  in  a  path  secure 

To  brighter  worlds  on  high. 

Oh  be  this  word  our  constant  guide, 
Our  steadfast  hope  and  trust! 

This  ne'er  can  fail,  though  all  beside 
Shall  mingle  with  the  dust. 


'H 


HYMN  XV. 

Delay  dangerous. 

ASTEN,  mortal,  to  be  wise; 
Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun: 
Wisdom  if  you  still  despise, 
Harder  is  she  to  be  won. 

2  Hasten,  mercy  to  implore; 
Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun: 
Lest  thy  season  should  be  o'er, 
Ere  this  evening's  stage  be  run. 

3  Hasten,  sinner,  to  return; 
Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun: 
Lest  thy  lamp  should  fail  to  burn, 
Ere  salvation's  work  is  done. 

4  Hasten,  mortal,  to  be  blest; 
Stay  not  for  the  morrow's  sun: 
Lest  perdition  thee  arrest, 
Ere  the  morrow  is  begun. 


15 


HYMN  XVI. 

Early  Religion. 

1  T  T  APPY  the  child,  whose  early  years 
-LJL    Receive  instruction  well; 

Who  hates  the  sinner's  path,  and  fears 
The  road  that  leads  to  hell. 

2  When  we  devote  our  youth  to  God, 

'Tis  pleasing  in  his  eyes; 
A  flower,  when  offtr'din  the  bud, 
Is  no  vain  sacrifice. 

3  'Tis  easier  work,  if  we  begin 

To  serve  the  Lord  betimes; 
While  sinners,  who  grow  old  in  sin, 
Are  harden'd  in  their  crimes. 

4  'Twill  save  us  from  a  thousand  snares, 

To  mind  religion  young; 
Grace  will  preserve  our  following  years, 
And  make  our  virtue  strong. 

5  To  thee,  Almighty  God!  to  thee, 

May  we  ourselves  resign; 
'Twill  please  us  to  look  back  and  see, 
That  our  whole  lives  were  thine. 

6  Let  the  sweet  work  of  pray'r  and  praise 

Employ  our  youngest  breath; 
Thus  we're  prepar'd  for  longer  days, 
Or  fit  for  early  death. 


16 
HYMN  XVII. 

Steadfastness  and  Watchfulness  implored. 

1  f^\  GOD!  my  strength,  my  hope! 
V_>/    On  thee  I  cast  my  care; 
With  humble  confidence  look  up 
To  thee  who  hearest  pray'r. 
Grant  me  on  thee  to  wait, 

The  work  assign'd  fulfil; 

Oh  may  it  all  my  powers  engage, 

To  do  my  Father's  will! 

2  Give  me  a  sober  mind, 
A  quick  discerning  eye, 

The  first  approach  of  sin  to  find, 

And  all  temptation  fly;— 

A  spirit  still  prepar'd, 

And  arm'd  with  jealous  care, 

For  ever  standing  on  its  guard, 

And  watching  unto  pray'r. 

3  Thy  will  may  I  pursue, 
To  thee  in  all  things  rise; 

And  all  I  think  and  say  and  do, 

Be  one  great  sacrifice. 

Fill  me  with  godly  fear, 

As  in  thy  sight  to  live; 

And  oh,  thy  servant,  Lord,  prepare, 

A  strict  account  to  give! 


HYMN  XVIII. 

Confidence  in  God  our  Father. 
1    f\  GOD,  on  thee  we  all  depend, 
V^/    On  thy  paternal  care; 
Thou  wilt  the  father  and  the  friend 
In  evVy  act  appear. 


17 

2  With  open  hand  and  lib'ral  heart, 

Thou  wilt  our  wants  supply; 
Thy  heavn'ly  blessings  still  impart, 
And  no  good  thing  deny. 

3  Our  Father  knows  what's  good  and  fit. 

And  wisdom  guides  his  love. 
To  thine  appointment  we  submit, 
And  ev'ry  choice  approve. 

4  In  thy  paternal  love  and  care, 

With  cheerful  hearts  we  trust; 

Thy  tender  mercies  boundless  are, 

And  all  thy  thoughts  are  just. 

5  We  cannot  want,  while  God  provides; 

What  he  allots,  is  best; 
And  heav'n,  whate'er  we  want  besides, 
Will  give  eternal  rest. 


HYMN  XIX. 

Against  profane  swearing. 

ANGELS,  that  high  in  glory  dwell, 
Adore  thy  name,  Almighty  God! 
And  sinners  must  lament  in  hell, 
Who  mock  the  terrors  of  thy  rod. 

And  yet  how  wicked  children  dare 
Abuse  thy  awful  glorious  name! 
And  when  they're  angry,  how  they  swear, 
And  curse  their  fellows,  and  blaspheme! 

Our  hearts  shall  be  in  pain  to  hear 
Wretches  affront  the  Lord  above. 
'Tis  that  great  God,  whose  pow'r  we  fear; 
That  heav'nly  Father,  whom  we  love. 
B  2 


18 

If  our  companions  grow  profane, 
Wt'll  leave  their  friendship,  when  we  hear 
Young  sinners  take  thv  name  in  vain, 
And  learn  to  curse,  and  learn  to  swear. 


HYMN  XX. 

Mocking  at  sin. 

1  TI7HO  laughs  at  sin,  laughs  at  his  Maker's 

V  V  frowns, 

Laughs  at  the  sword  of  vengeance  o',er  his  head, 
Laughs  at  the  great  Redeemer's  tears  and  wounds, 
Who  but  for  sin  had  never  wept  or  bled. 

2  Who  laughs  at  sin,  laughs  at  the  num'rous  woes, 
Which  have  the  guilty  world  so  oft  befel; 
Laughs  at  the  whole  creation's  groans  and  throes, 
At  all  the  spoils  of  death  and  pains  of  hell. 

3  Who  laughs  at  sin,  laughs  at  his  own  disease, 
Welcomes  approaching  torments  with  his  smiles, 
Dares,  at  his  soul's  expense,  his  fancy  please, 
Affronts  his  God,  himself  of  bliss  beguiles. 

4  Who  laughs  at  sin,  sports  with  his  guilt  and  shame, 
Laughs  at  the  errors  of  his  senseless  mind; 

For  so  absurd  a  fool  there  wants  a  name, 
Expressive  of  a  folly  so  refined. 


HYMN  XXI. 

The  Christian  rule. 
1   r~pHUS  said  Jesus — "  Go  and  do 
JL     As  thou  wouldst  be  done  unto." 
H>re  thy  perfect  duty  see, 
Duty,  God  requires  of  thee. 


19 

2  Wouldst  thou  then  rejoice  to  find 
Othrrs  gcn'rous,  just,  and  kin  j.? 
Think  upon  these  words,  and  do 
As  thou  wouldst  be  done  unto. 

3  Shouldst  thou  helpless  be  and  poor, 
Wouldst  thou  not  for  aid  implore? 
Think  of  others  then  and  be 

What  thou  wouldst  they  should  to  thee. 

4  Wouldst  thou,  when  thy  faults  are  known. 
Wish  that  pardon  should  be  shown? 

BJ  forgiving  then,  and  do 

As  thou  wouldst  be  done  unto. 

5  If  thou  wouldst  obtain  the  love 
Of  thy  gracious  God  above, 
Thert  to  all  his  children  be 

What  thou  wouldst  they  should  to  thee. 


HYMN  XXII. 

Filial  duty. 

CHRIST  whom  angels  love  and  fear, 
Subject  to  his  parents  here, 
Did  to  us  the  pattern  give, 
How  we  ought  with  ours  to  live. 

When  he  was  a  little  child, 
He  was  tractable  and  mild, 
Ever  watchful  to  fulfil 
All  his  parents'  righteous  will. 

Let  us  in  his  footsteps  tread, 
To  each  selfish  passion  dead, 
Striving  always  to  ob  v 
Those  who  under  God  bear  sway. 


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4  Teachers,  masters,  let  us  love, 
All  their  just  commands  approve; 
Let  us,  above  all,  fulfil 
God  our  heav'nly  Father's  will. 


HYMN  XXIII. 

1  \      ET  children  that  would  fear  the  Lord, 
JL-J    Hear  what  their  teachers  sav; 

With  nv'rence  meet  their  parents'  word, 
And  with  delight  obey. 

2  Have  you  not  heard  what  dreadful  woes 

Are  threaten' d  by  the  Lord, 
To  him  who  breaks  his  father's  law, 
Or  mocks  his  mother's  word? 

3  What  heavv  guilt  upon  him  lies! 

How  hateful  is  his  name! 
Who  thus  his  parents  shall  despise, 
Will  bring  himself  to  shame. 

4  But  those  who  worship  God,  and  give 

Their  parents  honour  due, 
Here  on  this  earth  btlovM  shall  live, 
And  live  in  heaven  too! 


HYMN  XXIV. 

Vanity. 

X  T  TOW  proud  we  are,  how  fond  to  show 
JLi    Our  clothes,  and  call  them  rich  and  new! 
When  the  poor  sheep  and  silk-worm  wore 
That  very  clothing  long  btiore. 


21 

2  The  tulip  and  the  butterfly 
Appear  in  gayer  coats  than  I; 
Let  me  be  drest  fine  as  I  will, 

Flies,  worms,  and  flow'rs  exceed  me  still. 

3  Then  will  I  set  my  heart  to  find 
Inward  adomings  of  the  mind; 
Knowledge  and  virtue,  truth  and  grace, 
These  are  the  robes  of  richest  dress. 

4  No  more  shall  worms  with  me  compare; 
This  is  the  raiment  angels  wear; 

The  son  of  God,  when  here  below, 
Put  on  this  blest  apparel  too. 

5  It  never  fades,  it  ne'er  grows  old, 

Nor  fears  the  rain,  nor  moth,  nor  mould; 

It  takes  no  spot,  but  still  refines; 

The  more  'tis  worn,  the  more  it  shines. 

6  In  this  on  earth  would  I  appear; 
Then  go  to  heav'n  and  wear  it  there. 
God  will  approve  it  in  his  sight; 
'Tis  his  own  work,  and  his  delight. 


HYMN  XXV. 

1  T    IFE  is  the  time  to  serve  the  Lord, 

I  a  The  time  t'  ensure  the  great  reward; 
And,  while  the  lamp  holds  out  to  burn, 
The  vilest  sinner  may  return. 

2  Life  is  the  hour  which  God  hath  giv'n 
To  'scape  from  hell,  and  fly  to  heav'n, 
The  day  of  grace,  and  mortals  may- 
Secure  the  blessings  of  the  day. 


22 

Then  the  great  work  we  have  to  do, 
Let  us  with  all  our  might  pursue; 
And  wisely  ev'ry  hour  employ, 
That  faith  and  hope  may  turn  to  joy. 


HYMN  XXVI. 

Youth  admonished. 

1  T  TNTHINKING  mortals,  ye  must  die; 
\*J     Behold  the  king  of  dread 

Prepar'd  to  let  the  arrow  fly, 
Which  ranks  you  with  the  dead. 

2  Your  youth  and  strength  will  nought  avail 

To  guard  you  in  that  day; 
All  wealth  and  honour  then  will  fail, 
All  beauty  fade  away. 

3  The  finest  nerves  will  be  unstrung, 

And  ev'ry  motion  die; 
Silent  the  captivaring  tongue, 
And  dim  the  sparkling  eye. 

4  O  could  we  realize  the  scene, 

And  view  the  change  as  near! 
This  world  would  then  appear  more  vain — 
The  next  employ  our  care! 

5  May  we  in  waiting  posture  stand, 

Prepar'd  to  take  our  flight; 
When  gentle  death,  with  friendly  hand 
Shall  change  our  faith  to  sight. 


HYMN  XXVII. 

Children  parting,  after  receiving  Instruction, 

1  TTi  OR  a  season  call'd  to  part, 

J?     Let  us  now  ourselves  commend 
To  the  gracious  eye  and  heart 
Of  our  ever  present  Friend. 

2  Father,  hear  our  humble  pray'r; 
Tender  shepherd  of  thy  sheep, 
Let  thy  mercy  and  thy  care 
All  our  souls  in  safety  keep. 

3  What  we  each  have  now  been  taught, 
Let  our  memories  retain. 

May  we,  if  we  live,  be  brought, 
Here  to  meet  in  peace  again. 

4  Then,  if  thou  instruction  bless, 
Songs  of  praises  shall  be  giv'n; 
We'll  our  thankfulness  express, 
Here  on  earth,  and  when  in  heav'n. 


HYMN  XXVIII. 

PRAISE  to  thee,  thou  great  Creator! 
Praise  to  thee  from  ev'ry  tongue; 
Join,  my  soul,  with  ev'ry  creature, 
Join  the  universal  song. 

For  ten  thousand  blessings  giv'n, 

For  the  hope  of  future  joy, 

Sound  his  praise  through  earth  and  heav'n 

Sound  Jehovah's  praise  on  high. 


G 


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HYMN  XXIX. 

Luther's  Judgment  Hymn. 
RE  AT  God,  what  do  I  see  and  hear! 


The  end  of  things  created. 
The  Judge  of  mankind  doth  appear, 
On  clouds  of  glory  seated. 
The  trumpet  sounds,  the  graves  restore 
The  dead  which  they  containM  before: 
Prepare,  my  soul!  to  meet  him. 


THE  END 


